Winter is here, and let’s face it, the cold and dry weather can wreak havoc on our hair. Who’s tired of dealing with hair static and frizziness when all you want to do is look cute for the holidays? I get you, and I’ve got you covered. I’ve gathered some tried-and-true tips to keep our hair looking smooth, shiny, and healthy all winter long. Let’s get started!
1. Keep Your Hair Moisturized
Cold weather and indoor heating can dehydrate your hair, making it look brittle and less voluminous. To prevent this, make sure to use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, and deep-condition your hair regularly with Aveda Nutriplenish. "You can also use a Nutriplenish Daily Moisturizing Rich Leave-In Cream, with 4 times the hydrating ability and heat resistance up to 450 degrees," recommends Brittany from Gordon Salon in Highland Park. "Apply these products from mid-length to the ends of your hair, put your other styling products on top of that, and blow dry as normal," she continues.
2. Avoid Over-Washing Your Hair
Although it’s tempting to take hot showers to warm up in winter, hot water can strip your hair of its natural oils and leave it looking dull and lifeless. Instead, try washing your hair every other day or every three days, and use lukewarm water. If you have an oily scalp, use an Aveda Shampowder in between washes to absorb excess oil. But the truth is whenever you wash, always use a conditioner after.
3. Protect Your Hair from Temperature Changes
Going from the cold outdoors to the warm indoors can charge your hair's cuticle depending upon moisture in the hair, leading to frizz and static. To avoid this, wear a hat or a beanie when going outside, and let your hair cool down before styling it. “You can also use a heat protectant spray like Aveda Heat Relief Thermal Protector,” suggested Leti, a curly hair specialist, at Gordon Salon in Highland Park. "Before using heat tools such as a blow dryer or a flat iron, and keep the temperature low to prevent damage," says Leti.
4. Trim Your Hair Regularly
Split and dry ends can make your hair look lifeless and dull, especially in winter months. To prevent this, make sure to trim your hair every six to eight weeks, and ask your hairstylist to layer it to add movement and volume. You don’t have to cut off a lot, just enough to keep your hair healthy and manageable. Sometimes it can be as little as a 1/4 inch.
5. Eat a Balanced Diet
Your hair is a reflection of your overall health and nutrition, so make sure to eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. Foods such as salmon, eggs, spinach, sweet potatoes, and nuts are all packed with nutrients that promote hair growth and health. Additionally, drinking plenty of water is essential to hydrate your hair from the inside out.
Well, there you have it! Five simple yet effective tips to keep your hair healthy and beautiful during the winter months. Crunchy curls are the last thing you want when sitting at a holiday dinner or on a snowy date. My suggestions are all about hydration, sealing the outer layer, and making sure your hair is filled with moisture. If you are like me December through March are personally some of my favorite months of the year, and a little fear around dry hair isn't going to stop me and shouldn't stop you either. Take action with these five winter recommendations.